DON’T BREAK UP WITH YOUR CAR, UPGRADE IT:

Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. today introduced its highly anticipated 2019 aftermarket product line, an expansive offering of the latest in high-performance audio, vehicle connectivity and driver communication technologies. The 2019 product line includes Pioneer’s new for 2019 Modular Solutions NEX receivers, the DEQ-S1000A Universal Sound Processor, Class D amplifiers, and the new TS-D10LB subwoofer. Each product reinforces Pioneer’s commitment to upgrade vehicles already on the road today, so drivers can benefit from the latest technologies without having to buy a new car.

“A recent report issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation identifies the average age of a vehicle on the road today as 11.6 years old,”said Ted Cardenas, vice president of marketing, Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. “As a global leader in aftermarket technology, Pioneer recognizes that many existing 5 to 10-year-old vehicles do not have navigation, Bluetooth, premium audio or the latest offerings from Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and stand to benefit greatly from the latest communication, entertainment, information, and premier sound technologies offered by Pioneer.”

Pioneer’s introductions include the following:

MODULAR SOLUTIONS NEX RECEIVERS

Pioneer’s new Modular Solutions NEX receivers provide vehicles with a lower-level trim to be upgraded to the same level or higher than even the top OEM trim levels, enabling features such as a larger LCD screen, navigation, connectivity and more.

The 8-inch DMH-C5500NEX, the 6.8-inch DMH-C2500NEX and the 6.8-inch DMH-C2550NEX feature a modular design combining a large touchscreen display with a hideaway control unit that installers can tuck into separate compartments of the automobile, providing vehicles with limited dash space a premium upgrade solution for drivers’ entertainment needs. The new receivers feature both Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay®, as well as entertainment features such as Spotify®, Pandora®, Bluetooth® streaming, WebLink®, FLAC file playback and more.

“We recognize that many drivers desire an enhanced entertainment experience with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto but are unable to purchase the top-level trim of a vehicle because of its price point,” said Cardenas. “Our new Modular Solutions NEX receivers give drivers of lower-level trim vehicles an off-the-shelf solution, featuring a large touchscreen plus all the entertainment and connectivity benefits consumers have come to expect.”

Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. is partnering with Metra™ in 2019 to create several installation kits, available beginning in March, that directly integrate the Modular Solutions NEX receivers into specific vehicles. Due to the modular form factor and availability of two different extension cables, these products are also suitable for fully custom installation by an installation specialist.

The Modular Solutions NEX receivers will be available in March 2019 with a suggested price of $650 (DMH-C5500NEX) and $450 (DMH-C2550NEX and DMH-C2500NEX). The CD-RGB150E (1.5m RGB extension cable, suggested price $100) and the RD-RGB150A (1.5m RGB extension cable plus power/speaker harness and FM antenna extension, suggested price $150) extension cables will also be available in March 2019.

DEQ-S1000A UNIVERSAL SOUND PROCESSOR

Pioneer today also introduced the DEQ-S1000A Universal Sound Processor, enabling factory-installed head units to integrate with aftermarket amplifiers, speakers and subwoofers. The DEQ-S1000A seamlessly retunes the equalization levels of factory original equipment (OE), allowing aftermarket components to reach their full performance potential.

Traditionally, custom sound required upgrading and replacing a factory-installed head unit and speakers. For newer vehicles that integrate radio controls into complex multi-purpose head units (with features such as climate controls, GPS, fuel range, etc.), the option to switch out an OE head unit may be difficult or impossible. Most OE audio systems also feature equalization specifically tuned for the OE speakers to optimize the original sound, but potentially compromising or limiting the quality of sound when adding aftermarket amplification, speakers or subwoofers.

Via Pioneer’s proprietary Sound Tune app for Android and iPhone devices, the DEQ-S1000A utilizes Pioneer’s software expertise and smartphone integration to perform advanced calculations to digitally analyze and cancel the preset OE equalization settings and restore output as closely as possible to flat, full bandwidth frequency response, while preserving OE head unit integration and functionality. The Sound Tune app also introduces advanced post-correction features like a 31-band touch EQ, digital time alignment and a 3-way digital network with subwoofer control. For a full list of DEQ-S1000A features visit the official product website.

The DEQ-S1000A is available now with a suggested price of $200.

CLASS D AMPLIFIERS

In the aftermarket amplifier category, Pioneer added eight Class D high-performance amplifiers to its product line: GM-DX975, GM-D9705, GM-DX874, GM-D8704, GM-DX971, GM-D9701, GM-DX871 and GM-D8701. The models improve on last year’s offerings by delivering a superior level of audio quality and performance in a high power yet highly efficient and compact design. The new amplifier line continues innovations like Bass Boost Remote and variable LPF/HPF as well as Pioneer’s Protection Control System, which automatically regulates component temperature during the most demanding input levels.

The lineup includes two flexible five-channel models, two four-channel full-range models and four mono amplifiers, optimized for powering subwoofers systems. For the most demanding audiophiles, both the five-channel GM-DX975 and the four-channel GM-DX874 are Hi-Res Audio certified, providing a perfect match with Pioneer’s recently introduced Hi-Res Audio certified Z series high-performance automotive loudspeakers. Hi-Res Audio recordings contain significantly more data than standard CDs and require the amplifiers’ full-range channels be capable of reproducing frequencies of 40kHz or higher.

All eight amplifiers feature Class D operation to maintain high performance and high-power output while increasing electrical efficiency and installation versatility. The high efficiency results in significantly less electrical current being converted into heat and reduces the need for large heatsinks when compared to conventional Class-AB amplifiers of similar output specifications.

The 2019 Class D amplifier product line will be available in January with suggested prices ranging from $200 to $370.

The TS-D10LB features an exceptionally compact design to maximize vehicle compatibility. Measuring less than 21" wide, less than 12" high and less than 6" deep, the TS-D10LB offers high performance, quality and high usability with deep bass sound and can fit under or behind the rear seat of many popular trucks and SUVs.

“Not only does the TS-D10LB offer amazing sound and a deep bass, it is also easy to fit and install in practically any vehicle, especially popular extended cab trucks, SUVs and compact utility vehicles,” added Cardenas.

The new TS-D10LB subwoofer is available for purchase January with a suggested price of $240.

Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc., headquartered in Torrance, Calif., is a preeminent manufacturer of leading-edge technology solutions for the mobile electronics aftermarket. Its affiliate Pioneer Automotive Technologies (PAT) is a key supplier for Tier 1 automotive entertainment systems and components to vehicle manufactures. Pioneer is focused on creating the ultimate in-car entertainment experience with high performance audio and video components, as well as connectivity with today’s smart devices. Building off of more than 75 years of electronics experience, Pioneer has expanded into the cycle sports industry, designing world-class power meters and cycle computers for professional athletes and cycling enthusiasts.

Warning: Read the operation manual as well as all instructions and cautions before use. Pay attention to the road, limit glances to the device, and do not use any feature if it cannot be operated both safely and legally in your location and environment. Distracted driving may result in serious injury, including death.

Pioneer, the Pioneer logo, and Sound Tune are trademarks or registered trademarks of Pioneer Corporation.

Android and Android Auto are trademarks of Google LLC.

Apple, CarPlay, iPhone are registered trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.